Belmopan is the capital of the nation of Belize. It is situated in the middle of the country, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) as the crow flies from Belize City. The population is around 27,000.
Belmopan was founded in 1965, in what was just untamed jungle at the time. Work on the city began in 1967. Belmopan was created because the capital city, Belize City, was severely damaged after being directly hit by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. National officials realized that the capital should be located inland and on somewhat higher ground, to prevent destruction to civic functions from the wind or storm surge from another hurricane. Its location was selected over other locations because it was close to the geographic center of Belize, and it was along the main highway going across the country from Belize City to San Ignacio, at an intersection with another highway heading south.
The name "Belmopan" comes from combining "Belize", for the country and the longest river in the country, and "Mopan", a local river which flows into the Belize River.
Belmopan was actually not taken seriously for several decades, both domestically and abroad. Belmopan was incorporated in 2000, after authority was finally transferred from the Reconstruction and Development Corporation that had developed the city. Only then did Belmopan have a mayor. Nations were hesitant to move their embassies to Belmopan, as well. The United States only completed its embassy in Belmopan in 2006. Less than 10 other countries, all Latin American, have their embassies or consulates in Belmopan; the 33 others are in Belize City. The passing of time slowly has been leading to acceptance of this city as the center of politics in Belize.
National Assembly Building of Belize, on the north end of Independence Plaza. The legislative building is the home of Belize's houses of Parliament. It opened on October 9, 1970, and is meant to resemble a Pre-Columbian Mayan temple. It is currently being renovated.
A view of Independence Plaza, from the National Assembly Building.
The Eastern Block of Independence Plaza.
The Eastern Block was completed in 1971, and now houses the Ministry of Health & Wellness.
The Western Block of Independence Plaza. The structure was completed in 1971, and now houses the Ministry of Human Development.
The Belize Monument, at the southern end of Independence Plaza. The monument was erected in 1991, and donated by Mexico to commemorate Belize’s Independence in 1981.
A post office, anchoring the southern end of Independence Plaza. The structure was completed in 1971.
The Civic Centre, off of Bliss Parade. The structure was built in 1972.
The Sir Edney Cain Building, on Melhado Parade. The structure is the home of the Ministry of Public Service.
The Leigh Richardson Building, off of North Ring Road. The structure was constructed in 2020, and houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A bank off of Market Square and Independence Plaza.
The Walk of Inspiration & Recognition, connecting Independence Plaza with residential neighborhoods to the east. Walkways connect parallel streets, connect adjacent neighborhoods, and connect the government center with the rest of the city in most directions.
St. Ann's Anglican Church, off of Unity Boulevard. The church was built in 1971, and was originally the Ecumenical Center, used by Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Methodists, until 1992.
Buildings on Unity Boulevard.
Independence Park, off of Unity Boulevard.
The City Council Building, on Trinity Boulevard.
Houses on Trinity Boulevard.
Businesses off of East Ring Road.
Houses on Half Moon Avenue.
Isidoro Beaton Football Stadium, on East Ring Road at St. Martin Avenue. The stadium was built in 2016, and is the home of the Belmopan Blaze of the Belize Premier Football League, and the Belmopan Bandits of the Premier League of Belize. It also sometimes hosts national team matches.
Along some of the main roads, like the East Ring Road, are pedestrian and bicycle sections. Along with walkways between streets and neighborhoods, the pedestrian sections promote alternatives to getting around besides cars.
Businesses on East Ring Road.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral, on East Ring Road. The church was built in 1985.
The cathedral is the co-seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City-Belmopan, along with Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Belize City.
Belmopan Methodist Church, on South Ring Road. The church was built in 1991.
A restaurant on St. Paul Street.
A grocery store on St. Martin Avenue.
The George Price Centre, on Price Centre Road. The structure was built in 2002. The building is serving as the temporary legislative assembly building for Belize, while the National Assembly Building is renovated.
In front of the George Price Centre is a bust of Price, dedicated in 2002. Right Honourable George Price is considered the father of Belize's independence, and was also the founder of Belmopan.
The Regional Language Center at the University of Belize.
An office building at the University of Belize.
The Administration Building at the University of Belize.
The Library Building at the University of Belize.
Businesses on Market Square.
A replica of a colossal Olmec head, in a traffic circle at Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard, North Ring Road, and Constitution Drive. The original head this was modeled after dates to 1200-900 BC, and was discovered in 1970 in the estado of Veracruz in Mexico.
The replica was dedicated in 2017, and commemorates 35 years of cooperation between Mexico and Belize.
A bank on Constitution Drive.
A bank building under construction on Constitution Drive.
A corner shop on Stann Creek Street.
A house on Stann Creek Street.
Houses on Stann Creek Street.
Houses on Sapodilla Street.
Houses on Mayflower Street.
Houses on Belize Street.
Houses and buildings along Libertad Avenue at Mahogany Street.
Houses on Corozal Street.
Houses on Garza Avenue.
A pedestrian pathway between Kiskade Avenue and Macaw Avenue.
A pedestrian pathway between Macaw Avenue and Sinsonate Avenue, heading towards the civic center of the city.
The David L. McKoy Business Center, on Bliss Parade. The office building was constructed in 2021.
An Instagram-worthy sign, on South Ring Road, brings civic pride to this modern city.
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